Wetlands Explained

Wetland Science, Policy, and Politics in America

William M. Lewis, Jr.

This book brings together in compact form a broad scientific and sociopolitical view of US wetlands. This primer lays out the science and policy considerations to help in navigating this branch of science that is so central to conservation policy, ecosystem science and wetland regulation. It gives explanations of the attributes, functions and values of our wetlands and shows how and why public attitudes toward wetlands have changed, and the political, legal, and social conflicts that have developed from legislation intended to stem the rapid losses of wetlands. The book describes the role of wetland science in facilitating the evolution of a rational and defensible system for regulating wetlands and will shed light on many of the problems and possibilities facing
those who quest to protect and conserve our wetlands.

Wetlands Explained

Wetland Science, Policy, and Politics in America

William M. Lewis, Jr.

Description

This book brings together in compact form a broad scientific and sociopolitical view of US wetlands. This primer lays out the science and policy considerations to help in navigating this branch of science that is so central to conservation policy, ecosystem science and wetland regulation. It gives explanations of the attributes, functions and values of our wetlands and shows how and why public attitudes toward wetlands have changed, and the political, legal, and social conflicts that have developed from legislation intended to stem the rapid losses of wetlands. The book describes the role of wetland science in facilitating the evolution of a rational and defensible system for regulating wetlands and will shed light on many of the problems and possibilities facing
those who quest to protect and conserve our wetlands.

Wetlands Explained

Wetland Science, Policy, and Politics in America

William M. Lewis, Jr.

Table of Contents

1. Where We Are, and How We Got Here2. What a Wetland Is, and Isn't3. What Wetlands Do, and How They Do It4. Water Is as Water Does5. Mother Earth6. The Cast of Characters7. Eye of Newt8. Once and Future WetlandsReferencesIndex

Wetlands Explained

Wetland Science, Policy, and Politics in America

William M. Lewis, Jr.

Reviews and Awards

"[Lewis] has produced a fine book that does an excellent job of explaining what wetlands are and why they should be protected, in a manner that is accessible by non-experts in the field . . . I highly recommend it"--Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology